In the 89th minute, Argentina was awarded a free kick from a distance of about 20 meters. Panama built a fence but still could not stop the technical shot of the home captain. The ball draws a curve and then goes into the net. The flying phase of goalkeeper Jose Guerra also only added to the goal.
Messi set a 2-0 victory for Argentina, and officially reached 800 goals in his club and national team career. In the stands of Monumental Stadium, fans continuously worshiped the superstar born in 1987.
Fans admire Messi’s masterpiece.
Before that, it was Messi who opened the scoring situation for the host. His free kick hit the bar, causing the Panama defense to be disturbed. Thiago Almada received the ball from Leandro Paredes before hitting a shot from close range to put the World Cup champions ahead.
In the first match at home after the 2022 World Cup, Messi played impressively. 14 shots, 9 successful dribbles, 2 free kicks hit the wooden frame, 110 touches on the ball, 2 passes created chances are the statistics of the former Barca star in 90 minutes.
After the final whistle, the Panamanian player repeatedly asked for a shirt change, but Messi politely refused. In return, the captain of the Argentina team is ready to sign autographs for those in need.
On March 28, Argentina will have another friendly match during the FIFA Days break against Curacao.
Tuan Nguyen | 08:57 March 24, 2023
